it has been argued that sexual equality is the most important criterion of that which we know as Civilization. - E.E. "Doc" Smith

Life force. I would have lots of that, of course." She did not blush, but Kit did. "Life force" was a pitifully inadequate term indeed for that which Civilization's only Lensman–mother had in such measure, but they both knew what it was.

thinking is an exercise to which far too few brains are accustomed

Afraid of spies with a sense of perception — Rigellians or Posenians or such. Just killed an Ordovik on general principles, over on the next block.